Home Tennis Madison Keys wins Australian Open women’s title

Madison Keys wins Australian Open women’s title

by Ann Wairimu
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  • American talent Madison Keys beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka to win the women’s singles title at the Australian Open
  • The 29-year-old rushed over to her courtside coaching pod where she had an emotional moment, sobbing in the hands of her husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo, who was a top-100 ATP player during his days

On Saturday, American talent Madison Keys beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka to win the women’s singles title at the Australian Open. Keys, who was playing in her second major final, secured a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory over Sabalenka to clinch her first Grand Slam title.

The 29-year-old rushed over to her courtside coaching pod where she had an emotional moment, sobbing in the hands of her husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo, who was a top-100 ATP player during his days.

Aryna Sabalenka, on the other hand, hugged her opponent after the end of the clash before her mood soured. She smacked her racket and could not hide her understandable frustration as she covered her head with a towel, and briefly walked away from the court before returning to a warm ovation from fans at the Rod Laver Arena during the trophy ceremony.

The world number one was aiming to become the first woman since Swiss great Martina Hingis in the late 1990s to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. The other players who have claimed a Melbourne ‘three-peat’ are Margaret Court, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.

Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka (L) and Madison Keys (R) during the trophy presentation ceremony at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday. The American Keys beat two-time defending champion Sabalenka 6-3 2-6 7-5 to deny her an incredible three  consecutive Australian Open titles. Photo/ Extra.ie

Like a good opponent, Sabalenka gave credit to Keys saying she played incredible tennis and should enjoy the celebrations.

“Madison, wow what a tournament. You’ve been fighting really hard to get this trophy, you played incredible tennis. Enjoy the celebration, enjoy the really fun part.” Aryna Sabalenka is quoted by Yahoo Sports.

Madison Keys Incredible Run At The Australian Open

When Keys entered the Australian Open earlier this month, few expected him to win the greatest prize at the event. The American, who stunned fans in 2018 by reaching the semi-final at the French Open and US Open, struggled with injuries afterwards and dropped out of the world’s top 50.

In 2022, she returned to the top 10 after reaching the last four in the Australian Open. She had an amazing run at the 2023 US Open, losing in the semi-final to Sabalenka, but struggled with injuries last year.

After missing out in last year’s Australian Open, Keys came to Melbourne in January aiming to stun the top stars. The powerful baseliner started getting attention when she recorded wins against 2023 Wimbledon semi-finalist Elina Svitolina, and former Australian Open finalists Elena Rybakina and Danielle Collins.

Keys reached the final by thumping world number two Iga Swiatek in a thrilling clash played a few days ago. By beating Sabalenka on Friday, she became the first player to crush the two top Australian Open seeds.

Sabalenka was the favourite to win the Melbourne title, but a determined Keys showed signs of fighting to the end right from the start of the action. The 29-year-old started the game on a high note, taking a 5-1 lead after two double faults in the first game as Sabalenka struggled to get into action.

Madison Keys

Madison Keys. Photo/ Riverine Herald.

Despite the Belarusian trying her best to catch up with Keys, she could only watch as her opponent claimed the first set with a backhand winner after 35 minutes.

Sabalenka shortly left the court afterwards for a few minutes before returning with momentum in the second set where she played her best tennis to secure a thrilling 6-2 win and force a decider.

However, Keys, who had brilliantly stood firm against Swiatek in their decider a few days ago, showed the same fighting spirit and went on to win the Melbourne title.

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